Lionel Messi has faced nearly every major footballing nation during his remarkable international career. Across more than two decades with Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has earned over 200 caps, scored 125 goals, and competed against the world's strongest teams in World Cups, Copa América tournaments, and qualifying campaigns. Yet one notable opponent has been missing from his résumé—England. That changes on Thursday, when Argentina face the Three Lions in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, giving Messi his first competitive meeting with England while offering Gareth Southgate's side an opportunity to reach their first World Cup final in six decades.
Argentina will take on England in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 am IST on Thursday, July 16. It will be broadcast on Unite8 Sports, while live streaming will be available on the Zee5 app and website.
The closest Messi came to facing England was during a friendly in Geneva in 2005, which Argentina lost 3-2. The then-18-year-old was unavailable due to suspension. Since then, Messi has overcome almost every major challenge in international football, but England remained the one elite opponent he had never encountered.
"It's special because they're a great team, a powerhouse, and it's always nice to play a team like that," Messi said after Argentina's quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
However, this semi-final carries significance far beyond Messi finally completing his international checklist. Encounters between Argentina and England are steeped in history, shaped by one of football's most emotionally charged rivalries.
MARADONA'S SYMBOLIC REVENGE
No match defines the rivalry more than the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final. Just four years after the Falklands War, which claimed hundreds of lives on both sides, Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a game that has become one of football's defining moments.
Diego Maradona's opening goal was infamous. He punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, escaped punishment as the referee allowed the goal to stand, and later described it as being scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."
Just four minutes later, Maradona produced one of the greatest goals in football history, dribbling from inside his own half past five England players before calmly finishing. FIFA later recognised it as the "Goal of the Century."
Maradona subsequently described the victory as symbolic revenge for the 1982 Falklands conflict. From that moment onward, every Argentina-England meeting has carried emotional and historical significance that extends well beyond football.
Although the Falkland Islands remain a diplomatic issue between the two nations, their football rivalry has since been defined primarily by memories of Maradona's brilliance and the symbolism attached to that unforgettable afternoon in Mexico City.
TUCHEL'S BIGGEST TEST
England have rarely lacked talent. Their squad is filled with Premier League stars and some of Europe's finest players. What has often been questioned, however, is the team's tactical flexibility during decisive matches.
Under Thomas Tuchel, England have developed a greater willingness to adapt. The German manager has shown no hesitation in altering formations, rotating personnel, or making bold in-game substitutions whenever required. That tactical versatility has become one of England's defining strengths during their run to the semi-finals.
Argentina, however, represent Tuchel's toughest challenge yet.
Lionel Scaloni's side are equally comfortable without possession, defending in compact blocks before launching quick, incisive counter-attacks. Breaking down such an organised side will require far more than moments of individual brilliance. If England are to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, Tuchel's decisions from the sidelines may prove just as important as the performances of his players.
ARGENTINA'S RESILIENCE
Argentina have won every match on their journey to the semi-finals, but the defending champions have not dominated opponents in the same fashion as they did during their victorious campaign in Qatar.
The retirement of Ángel Di María has left a significant creative void in attack, increasing the responsibility on Lionel Messi to orchestrate the team's offensive play.
Yet Argentina's greatest strength has become their resilience.
Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland all pushed Scaloni's side into difficult situations, forcing them to rely on patience, composure, and experience rather than moments of attacking brilliance alone. Those hard-fought victories appear to have strengthened the squad mentally.
"I know exactly what this group is made of," Scaloni said after defeating Switzerland.
"We knew we had to keep digging deep. That mentality is now part of this team. In Qatar, we lacked experience and those situations caught us out. Now we have learned from them, and that has become one of our greatest strengths."
That ability to absorb pressure and remain composed could prove just as valuable against England as Messi's individual brilliance.
WHO MAKES THE DECISIVE MOVE?
England possess one of the tournament's deepest attacking line-ups.
Harry Kane has led the attack superbly, while Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon provide multiple options capable of changing matches. Jude Bellingham continues to operate with freedom between midfield and attack, creating scoring opportunities through intelligent movement.
Behind them, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson provide defensive balance, allowing England to press aggressively and transition quickly.
Argentina's approach is more measured.
Julián Álvarez is beginning to rediscover the form that made him so effective at club level, but much of Argentina's creativity still flows through Messi. Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul focus on winning possession and quickly supplying Messi in dangerous areas rather than dominating possession themselves.
Defensively, Argentina arguably hold the advantage.
Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez have formed a consistent central defensive partnership, whereas England's backline has undergone multiple changes due to injuries and tactical adjustments.
In goal, both teams are well served by world-class goalkeepers. Emiliano Martínez and Jordan Pickford have each delivered crucial performances throughout the tournament.
Neither side is expected to dominate possession for sustained periods, making the contest likely to be decided by moments of concentration, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing.
A PLACE IN HISTORY
For England, victory would end a 60-year wait to reach a FIFA World Cup final and further validate the belief that this generation can finally fulfil its immense potential.
For Argentina, success would move them one step closer to defending the World Cup title they won in Qatar while bringing Lionel Messi within touching distance of an extraordinary farewell featuring back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
History will inevitably accompany both teams onto the pitch, but once the match begins, the outcome will ultimately be determined by two evenly matched sides seeking to add another unforgettable chapter to one of football's greatest rivalries.
For Messi, it represents the opportunity to finally face the one major international opponent that had previously eluded him. For England, it is another chance to overcome their most iconic rival and leave the memories of 1986 firmly behind.
